How to Choose a Knee Replacement Surgeon: Your 2026 UK Guide

Choosing who performs your knee replacement is one of the biggest decisions you will make. The right surgeon can mean a smoother operation, faster recovery, and a knee that feels natural for decades. Yet many patients have no idea how to choose a knee replacement surgeon. Some do not even realise they have a choice.

This guide shows you exactly how to research, compare, and choose a knee replacement surgeon in the UK. We cover what to check, where to look, and which questions to ask – whether you are going private or using the NHS.

Does It Matter Which Surgeon You Choose for Knee Replacement?

How to research, compare, and choose the right knee replacement surgeon in the UK – credentials, questions, and red flags to watch for.

Yes. Research consistently shows that surgeon experience affects outcomes. Higher-volume surgeons who perform more knee replacements each year tend to achieve lower complication rates, fewer revision surgeries, and better patient satisfaction.

Studies show that surgeons performing fewer than 50 knee replacements per year have higher rates of complications. Most orthopaedic specialists recommend choosing a surgeon who carries out at least 50 to 100 knee replacements annually. High-volume surgeons often perform 150 or more.

Beyond numbers, the surgeon’s technique matters. Correct alignment and positioning of the knee replacement components during surgery is one of the strongest predictors of how well your new knee functions and how long it lasts.

How to Check a Knee Replacement Surgeon’s Credentials

There are several free, public tools you can use to research any surgeon in the UK. Here is where to look and what to check.

The GMC register

Every practising doctor in the UK must be registered with the General Medical Council. You can search the register at gmc-uk.org. Confirm that your surgeon holds a current licence to practise and has no restrictions. Check they are on the specialist register for trauma and orthopaedic surgery.

This is a basic but essential check. It confirms that the person operating on you is fully qualified and in good standing.

The National Joint Registry surgeon profiles

The National Joint Registry (NJR) collects data on every knee replacement carried out in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Isle of Man. Since 2003, it has recorded over one million knee replacement procedures.

You can view individual surgeon profiles at surgeonprofile.njrcentre.org.uk. Each profile shows how many knee replacements the surgeon has performed and the types of implant they use. It also shows how their revision rates compare with the national average.

This is the single most useful tool when you choose a knee replacement surgeon. Look for outcomes in line with or better than the national average. A surgeon flagged as an outlier with higher revision rates warrants further investigation.

The PHIN website

The Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) publishes performance data for private hospitals and consultants. At phin.org.uk, you can search by procedure and location. You can compare patient feedback scores, average lengths of stay, and complication rates.

PHIN data is especially useful if you are choosing a private knee replacement surgeon, as it covers the independent hospital sector.

Professional memberships

Look for membership of the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) and the British Association for Surgery of the Knee (BASK). These indicate that the surgeon is actively engaged in knee surgery as a specialism.

 

You may also find our guide to types of knee replacement surgery in the uk helpful.

How to Choose a Knee Replacement Surgeon on the NHS

Many NHS patients do not realise they have any choice. In fact, you do have some options, although they are more limited than the private pathway.

Your right to choose

Under NHS patient choice, you can choose which hospital to be referred to for your knee replacement. Your GP should discuss this with you. Different NHS trusts have different waiting times. Choosing a hospital with a shorter queue can get you into surgery faster.

However, the NHS cannot guarantee a specific named surgeon. You may be allocated to whichever consultant has the next available slot. In some trusts, a registrar may perform the surgery under consultant supervision.

What you can do

Ask your GP to refer you to a specific hospital trust where a surgeon you have researched works. You cannot demand a named surgeon. But being within their team increases the likelihood of them performing or supervising your procedure.

Ask your consultant at the pre-operative appointment who will perform the surgery. If you have concerns, raise them at this stage.

NHS e-Referral Service

When your GP refers you, they use the NHS e-Referral Service. This shows available hospitals and approximate waiting times. Research surgeons at each option before making your choice. Do not simply accept the first one offered.

 

How to Choose a Knee Replacement Surgeon Privately

Going private gives you significantly more control. You choose your consultant by name. That person manages your care from first appointment to final follow-up. Here is how to make that choice well.

Start with the NJR and PHIN

Use the National Joint Registry surgeon profiles and PHIN data as your starting point. Shortlist two or three surgeons with high volumes, good outcomes, and experience with the implant type you are considering.

Book an initial consultation

Most private surgeons offer an initial consultation for £150 to £250. Use this to assess the surgeon as much as they assess you. Pay attention to how clearly they explain your options. Do they listen to your concerns? Do they recommend a plan that suits your situation?

You are not committed after a first consultation. It is perfectly acceptable to see two surgeons before deciding.

Check their hospital affiliations

Private surgeons typically work at one or more independent hospitals. Check the CQC rating of each hospital they operate at. A surgeon with excellent personal outcomes working in a hospital rated Requires Improvement is a concern.

Confirm that the hospital has the right facilities. If you have a complex medical history, check whether the hospital has access to intensive care and specialist backup.

Ask for patient references

Some private surgeons can connect you with previous patients willing to share their experience. Online reviews on Doctify, Top Doctors, or Google provide useful insight. Take individual reviews with caution, but note consistent themes.

What Questions Should You Ask a Knee Replacement Surgeon?

Whether NHS or private, asking the right questions helps you choose a knee replacement surgeon with confidence. Here is a checklist.

• How many knee replacements do you perform each year? Look for at least 50 to 100. Higher is generally better.
• What are your personal revision rates? A good surgeon will know their data and be willing to share it.
• Which implant do you recommend for me, and why? The answer should be tailored to your age, weight, activity level, and how much of your knee is affected.
• Will you personally perform the surgery? On the NHS, this is an important question. Privately, the answer should always be yes.
• What approach do you use? Ask about their surgical technique and why they prefer it for your case.
• What is your complication rate for infection and stiffness? The national average infection rate should be below 1 per cent.
• Do you use robotic-assisted surgery or patient-specific instrumentation? These technologies can improve implant positioning. Not all surgeons offer them.
• What does recovery look like, and how much physiotherapy will I need? The answer should be specific, not vague.

 

 

Red Flags to Watch For When Choosing a Knee Replacement Surgeon

Not every surgeon is the right fit. Be cautious if you notice any of the following.

• They are reluctant to share their outcomes data. A confident surgeon will be open about results.
• They recommend surgery without exploring alternatives first. A good surgeon considers whether you have tried physiotherapy, weight management, or injections before proceeding.
• They dismiss your questions or seem rushed. You deserve a consultation where your concerns are heard.
• Their NJR profile shows higher-than-expected revision rates. This does not necessarily mean they are a poor surgeon – they may take on complex cases – but it warrants discussion.
• They are not on the specialist register for trauma and orthopaedic surgery. This is a basic requirement. Do not proceed without checking.

 

 

Our guide to knee replacement physiotherapy and recovery covers the full recovery timeline, exercises at each stage, and NHS vs private physio options.

Read our detailed guide to why choose private knee replacement to compare costs, waiting times, and what to expect from the private pathway.

Understanding knee replacement implant types helps you have an informed conversation with your surgeon about which design suits your lifestyle.

 

 

 

 

 

Ready to compare private hospitals and prices? Use our knee replacement hospital directory to compare 162 providers across the UK.

This article is for information only. Always consult your GP or a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.